Golden State Warriors need to play it safe in 2020 NBA Draft

AMES, IA - JANUARY 29: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones takes a short as Matthew Mayer #24 of the Baylor Bears blocks in the second half of the game at Hilton Coliseum on January 29, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Baylor Bears won 67-53 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - JANUARY 29: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones takes a short as Matthew Mayer #24 of the Baylor Bears blocks in the second half of the game at Hilton Coliseum on January 29, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Baylor Bears won 67-53 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With so many x-factors on the team, the Golden State Warriors need to play it safe in the 2020 NBA Draft.

There is a long list of things that could derail the Golden State Warriors’ hopes of building a second dynasty. One important factor is what they elect to do with their 2020 NBA Draft pick.

To be clear, the Warriors won’t be relying on a rookie next season. A healthy duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will be carrying most of the load for the franchise. However, the outcome of the upcoming draft has the potential to impact this team for years to come.

This year’s draft class doesn’t appear to be loaded with talent but a diamond could always be hiding in the rough. If the Warriors luck out and find a future franchise cornerstone then the transition into a second dynasty would be effortless.

In contrast, missing completely in the draft and selecting a bust would put a hinder on their plans for the future. It is unlikely they are in a position to win the lottery again anytime soon. This might be the Warriors’ only chance of finding a star prospect before Curry’s eventual decline comes.

It should be noted that there is a possibility the Warriors end up with another lottery pick next season even if they reach the playoffs. They acquired a top-three protected 2021 first round pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves when they traded for Andrew Wiggins. In the event that the Wolves underperform next season, the Warriors could find themselves with another top pick.

However, their best bet would be playing it safe. This means one of two things. Either the Dubs draft a more experienced prospect such as Obi Toppin or Tyrese Haliburton that can be a strong supporting member for years to come. Or, they trade the pick for future picks and prospects.

Toppin is 22 years of age and has a developed offensive game that will make him a threat immediately in the pros. As for Haliburton, he has shown poise when controlling the ball and can be a reliable second-string guard for the Dubs.

Top 25 Warriors of all-time. dark. Next

This is the best option for the franchise as swinging for the fences could leave them stuck with no future. They need to build a supporting cast around Curry and Thompson now while also being prepared for their next chapter. This means they need to make the most of this upcoming draft pick.